If you’ve recently picked up a copy of The Bugle from a fresh-looking black stand around town, you’re looking at more than just a newspaper rack–it’s a labor of love from the Kiama Men’s Shed (KMS).

In a heartwarming display of community synergy, three stalwarts of the Shed– Greg Brown, Steve Dalton, and Eddie Lyon– were commissioned to design and build six custom newsstands to ensure The Bugle reaches every corner of Kiama in modern-fashion.

The new and improved Bugle stands!

For the men at the Shed, the project wasn’t about hitting a corporate deadline; it was about the joy of the build.

“You gotta realize that most people here are over 60, and some people are over 80 pushing 90,” the team shared. “We don’t have to worry about time, it means nothing– we just do it.”

True to their mission of community service, the KMS doesn’t charge by the hour. Instead, they focus on quality and camaraderie.

Brown and Lyon insisted on delivering the stands to their assigned locations

The collaboration began when The Bugle reached out with a vision. The Shed men took that idea and ran with it, creating a sleek, durable design specifically for local shopfronts and walkways.

“Belle from The Bugle wanted the boxes made to hold their newspapers in various places around Kiama, so we came up with this design,” the team explained.

The production was a true group effort. Eddie Lyon, described as the "eldest statesman" of the group, was a prime mover in the project’s coordination.

Meanwhile, Greg Brown took on the role of the "labourer," meticulously handling the painting to give the stands their professional finish.

“We had a lot of fun making them,” the group said. “We’ve got another three more to make and we look forward to seeing them be used all around Kiama. The Bugle boxes by the Kiama Men’s Shed- we love it!”

The project is a perfect example of what the KMS stands for. With 60 members, the Shed is a vital hub for male camaraderie and mental wellbeing.

While they are famous for finely-crafted chairs, tables, and personalized signage, their most important product is the sense of belonging they provide for local men.

The Men's Shed is a vital hub for male camaraderie and mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s a complex jewelry box or a sturdy newsstand, it seems there is nothing these men can't make.

The Kiama Men’s Shed continues to welcome new faces. Those interested in joining the team or seeing their work firsthand can make an in-person inquiry at the Shed to receive an application.

KMS is a pillar of the community, and seeing their craftsmanship supporting local journalism reminds us of what makes Kiama thrive: locals looking out for locals.